Near normalcy returned on the power front with Upper Kolab hydro power station resuming generation of electricity and the fourth unit of the Talcher Thermal Power Station (TTPS) back to the state grid.

A marginal increase in the water level in Rengali reservoir due to the recent spell of monsoon rains has further contributed to the improved power situation. The Rengali hydel power station, which was kept idle for a couple of weeks due to low water level in the reservoir, has been made operational. Two of the five units were generating about 45 MW.

With hot and humid condition prevailing in large parts of the State for the second consecutive day on Tuesday, the peak power demand was around 3,400 MW. The sporadic thunder showers in several parts of the State, while bringing relief from the sweltering heat, has also brought down the demand level by 100 MW, official sources said.

The State witnessed a net shortfall of about 150 MW on Monday due to a host of factors, including outage of three units of Upper Kolab hydel power station and one unit of TTPS.

Drawal of power from the State grid by Bhusan Steel and Jindal Steel added pressure to the already deficit situation. As the Government faced heat over the frequent power cuts, the distribution companies were reportedly instructed on Tuesday to rationalise power supply to the industries during peak hour.

Power situation was precarious in Southco and Wesco areas on Monday. However, the situation improved on Tuesday with resumption of generation from Upper Kolab. Sources in CESU said the demand and supply situation was near normal on Monday and Tuesday as well.

Source:http://newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/Normalcy-restored-on-power-front/2013/06/19/article1641880.ece